Oh, boy, it came. Never thought I would be so excited about an appliance!

The Beach has a trolley system and for a quarter you can ride from one end of the island to the other. At that point, you change trolley’s and get on one that takes you to Bonita Springs, to the K-Mart Mall! What a great outing!

From Fort Myers they came to Fort Myer’s Beach! The Barrys and the Fines. Good thing that we had ‘accidentally” kept the keys to the Barry’s car. We all met at Salty Sam’s for drinks and dinner. It was so good to see Dianne and Bob, and their friends the Fines.

One of the places that Kelley and I had wanted to investigate more was Fort Myers Beach. This was where we were when we discovered that the alternators were not charging the batteries. This time we hoped to stay for about 4 or 5 days. We got a mooring can, #54, and settled in.

Alas, the refrigerator was broken. Kaput!  We moved food to the outdoor refrigertator and all of the TONS of frozen food into the ice maker. This meant though that we would need to have the generator running a lot. Kelley instantly got on the phone to locate a replacement. Success. Now, where do we have it dropped shipped?

We went to pay our mooring fees and talked to the manager at the Matanzas Inn (which is where you pay) if he had a suggestion for a shipping yard where we could have the refrigerator sent and then someone would help us put it in. He said no, but, have it shipped to them and he would get a couple of guys to help Kelley put it in. People are so nice here. Kelley arranged for the shipping and I should have a new appliance in a couple of days, and it isn’t even my birthday or Mother’s Day!

I loved Sarasota and would have been happy to stay there for a long time, but, we have places to get to…

Because Kelley had gotten the pass, at least he was hoping it was the right one, we were going to go through Venice. It is lovely on the ICW because it is like driving through one neighborhood after another. Beautiful homes on the water, many trailer parks, restaurants and bridges. Draw bridges and swing bridges. I like boating here because there is so much to see and you must be attentive to where you are going.

Just as we are leaving Venice, lo and behold (you would be disappointed if this hadn’t happened), a Fish and Game boat. We were entering a spot where there is no wake, so Kelley was slowing down. He waved, but the officer did not wave back. I recognized HIM. Yes, the “water nazi.” He was stopped and busy looking at our window (and sticker); I smiled and waved. He looked up, and…

Yes, he waved and then took off. “Don’t look back, Babe, but that was the GUY!” Yippee!

I should have taken a picture of him. We were so pleased to continue to pass on through.

After about 5 hours we finally got to Useppa Island where we were going to anchor. 5 hours is a long time for me to be boating, especially when we really haven’t a time line. I think I am going to need to get Kelley to slow down. If this is a journey we need to make sure it is enjoyed by all participants (especially the First Mate).

The Happy Fisherman